3 Tips To Prep Your Vehicle For A Smog Test

Posted on: 26 February 2018

Controlling air pollution is essential in densely populated areas. Personal and commercial vehicles can serve as a source of pollution when these modes of transportation are not functioning properly.

To help ensure that vehicle emissions are not contributing to pollution levels, many municipal governments require that each vehicle be smog tested before being deemed legal to drive. A smog test certifies that emissions don't contain toxic levels of carbon particles, and there are some simple things that you can do to prepare your vehicle to pass.

1. Make sure your dashboard is light-free.

Before you take your vehicle in for a smog test, take the time to check your dashboard for any warning lights. If your check engine light is on, chances are your vehicle will fail the emissions test.

Your local mechanic will be able to connect your vehicle to a computerized diagnosing machine. This will help you determine the reason why your check engine light is on so that you can invest in the necessary repairs required to get your vehicle ready for a smog test.

2. Take your vehicle in for a tune-up.

Any vehicle that is running efficiently is likely to pass a smog test. One of the easiest ways you can ensure your vehicle's efficiency is by taking it in for a tune-up. During the tune-up, an experienced mechanic will empty the old fluids from your vehicle and replace them with a fresh supply.

New coolant, oil, and transmission fluid help your vehicle's engine run smoothly, reducing the number of carbon particles in your vehicle's exhaust. Be sure to schedule a tune-up for your vehicle prior to taking it in for a smog test, if you want to increase your odds of passing on the first try.

3. Mix in a fuel additive.

If your vehicle is an older model year, it can be beneficial to mix in a fuel additive each time you fill the vehicle's tank with gas. Fuel additives are designed specifically to help remove carbon deposits from your vehicle's engine, which can effectively reduce carbon particles present in the vehicle's exhaust.

Since older vehicles are at risk of having higher carbon levels due to a loss of efficiency, the addition of a fuel additive could be required to ensure your vehicle is capable of passing a smog test.

Proper preparation for a smog test will help to ensure your vehicle runs efficiently enough to avoid contributing to air pollution levels in the future.

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